All we know of Mary Layson came from the sessions books of the Middle Spring Presbyterian Church which was located near Hopewell, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. From these books we learn that in 1744, Mary was accused of being pregnant by John Mountgomery. She apparently took refuge with him for fear of being attacked by Indians. From the books, it is also apparent that her state of mind was affected. Whether this was due to old age or distress cannot be ascertained. I would be inclined to think that the church leaders would never have taken serious the charge that she was pregnant if it were the former. We also know that she had a son John who was old enough to be asked by her to build her a coffin and likely lived apart from her since she did not rely on him for protection. If we assume that he was at least 21 years old, then he would have been born before 1723. It is also likely that she was a widow since no husband is mentioned.